Alternatives to Ubuntu GamePack
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Ubuntu GamePack
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Ubuntu GamePack.
Pop!_OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux desktop operating system from System76, focused on productivity and customization.
Pop!_OS is an open-source Ubuntu-based desktop from System76 with NVIDIA and hybrid graphics support and no user data collection, but gaming tools are not all preinstalled.
Nobara
A Fedora-based Linux desktop tuned for gaming, streaming and content creation out of the box.
Nobara switches to an open-source Fedora base with WINE, OBS Studio, codecs and tuned NVIDIA and AMD drivers set up from first boot, maintained as a hobby project.
Drauger OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution tuned for desktop gaming performance.
Drauger OS stays on an Ubuntu base but is open source, with an in-house gaming kernel, preinstalled launchers and KDE Plasma instead of a Windows 10 style interface.
Garuda Linux
An Arch-based Linux distribution with a gaming edition, performance tweaks and the Chaotic-AUR repository.
Garuda Linux moves to an open-source Arch base with a dedicated gaming edition and Chaotic-AUR packages, but rolling updates need more regular attention.
Manjaro Linux
An Arch-based rolling-release Linux distribution that aims to make Arch easier to install and use.
Manjaro Linux is an open-source Arch-based rolling release with Arch-style repositories for gaming software and several desktop editions, without a preloaded gaming bundle.
ChimeraOS
A Linux operating system that turns a PC into a controller-driven, console-style gaming machine.
ChimeraOS replaces the desktop with an open-source controller-driven console interface built around Steam Big Picture, so it is not meant for general desktop use.
Fedora Games Lab
An official Fedora Linux edition that comes preloaded with a selection of open source games.
Fedora Games Lab is an official Fedora spin preloaded with open source games, but it does not include Steam or Wine tools for commercial titles.
Bazzite
A Fedora-based Linux distribution set up for gaming on desktops, handhelds, tablets and living-room PCs.
Bazzite is an open-source Fedora-based distribution with Steam and Lutris preinstalled, HDR and VRR support, and rollback of updates.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Ubuntu GamePack as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Batocera.linux
A free, open-source retro gaming Linux distribution that boots from a USB stick or SD card.
Ubuntu GamePack is an Ubuntu-based distribution with Steam, Wine and DXVK plus emulation for older systems, installed as a desktop OS, 64-bit only and not open source.
Lakka
A lightweight Linux distribution built on RetroArch that turns small computers into retro gaming consoles.
Ubuntu GamePack is a full Ubuntu-based desktop with Steam, Wine and emulation for older systems, 64-bit only, not open source, and relies on a small vendor for updates.
Recalbox
A retro gaming operating system that turns a Raspberry Pi or other hardware into a multi-system console.
Ubuntu GamePack is a desktop Linux distribution with Steam, Wine and emulation for older systems, aimed at a general gaming PC rather than a console-style setup, and 64-bit only.
RetroPie
Raspberry Pi-focused distribution that turns a single-board computer into a retro gaming machine.
Ubuntu GamePack is a full Ubuntu-based desktop for 64-bit systems that bundles Steam, Wine and DXVK alongside emulation for older consoles and computers.
SteamOS
Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system for the Steam Deck and other supported devices.
Ubuntu GamePack is an Ubuntu-based desktop with Steam, Wine tools and DXVK preinstalled plus console emulation, supported by a small vendor and 64-bit systems only.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Steam
Valve's PC gaming platform and client for buying, installing and playing games, with community features.
Lutris
A Linux gaming platform that installs the right emulator, Wine build or engine for each game and launches them from one place.
Bottles
A friendly manager for Wine prefixes on Linux, so running a Windows program means picking an environment rather than editing config files.
DXVK
Vulkan-based translation layer that runs Direct3D 8, 9, 10 and 11 games on Linux.
AtlasOS
Open-source Windows modification that reduces bloat for performance, privacy and gaming.
